The history of Manipuri cinema states that the film industry in this part of India started taking a shape from 1936. The then Manipuri films mostly reflected the contemporary society where war was a predominant feature. Since then cinema in Manipur has grown slowly but steadily. The neighbouring state of Bengal was a huge influence where directors like Ritwik Ghatak, Satyajit Ray, Mrinal Sen and others were making meaningful films. According to the history of Manipuri cinema the initial films were mainly mythological in nature. However social films were also made during these initial years.

The history of Manipuri cinema narrates that the Manipuri directors in the beginning mostly followed the style of the theatre while making their movies. The make up, narration, lighting and others were modeled on the stage. Later they started to follow the Hindi films as well. Probably one of the glorious eras that the history of Manipuri cinema ever witnessed was in the 1970s. Each year a film was made and appreciated by the audiences. It was during this time that Manipuri films like Saphbee and Olamghtagee Wangmadasoo won the Rajat Kamal (National Award). This was a great achievement for an industry which was still developing.

Till date this industry has produced over 31 Manipuri movies. However the recent socio-political scenario of the state has led to a downward journey for the Manipuri cinema. Hopefully the industry will fight back the adverse conditions and bring back the glory of that the history of Manipuri cinema often narrates.